Yasiel Puig, the record-setting signing by the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club, could be looking at prison time in the near future.
According to a report by the California Post, the former Los Angeles Dodgers star is facing an 18-month prison sentence after he was found guilty in U.S. federal court earlier this year of obstruction of justice and lying to federal officials in conjunction with an illegal gambling operation.
A sentencing memorandum filed in a California court and obtained by the outlet shows that U.S. authorities are requesting an 18-month prison sentence, as well as three years probation and a US$55,000 fine.
The memo states that the sentence would be “sufficient” because it “reflects the nature and severity of defendant’s crimes and his lack of remorse” and “punishes defendant and deters both defendant and those contemplating committing similar offences.”
Prosecutors added that Puig’s “history and characteristics” played a factor in the recommendation.
What does Puig’s lawyer say?
Puig’s lawyer, Keri Curtis Axel, argued the former baseball star should avoid prison all together.
“Yasiel Puig is a first-time offender who has already been punished through years of prosecution, reputational damage, financial consequences, and the effective destruction of his professional life,” Axel told The Athletic.
“A prison sentence is not proportional to the conduct and would not accomplish any rehabilitative purpose here. The Court has complete discretion over the sentence and the defence will request a sentence of probation.”
Puig’s court date for sentencing is May 26.
What did team say about Puig’s legal issues?
Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein said when the team signed Puig that it had done its research looking into the issues and believes they have been “dealt with.”
“We carried out extensive diligence (before signing Puig),” Stein said. “We’ve had discussions with lots of different people. The issues have been dealt with by the justice system, by other, more qualified parties.
“We are focused on what is the best talent that we can put on the field that’s going to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs in a way we can be proud of. We think that he is really on the right track in his personal life.
“He certainly deserves a chance to play professional baseball. And we think he’s going to be a great contributor to the team and to the community,” Stein added.
How has Puig been doing on the field?
The former Los Angeles Dodgers slugger — who reportedly signed a record-breaking deal with the Canadian Baseball League team — thrilled fans on Sunday in his debut with the team at Toronto’s Christie Pits park.
Puig, who was well known for his power at the plate during his seven-year MLB career, hit two home runs against the Kitchener Panthers in his first game for the Leafs.
After walking in his first plate appearance, Puig went deep to left field his next time up, giving the Leafs a 4-1 lead.
In the fifth inning he was at it again, taking the Panthers pitcher deep to left for a solo home run.
Puig would end up going 2-for-2 with two home runs and four RBIs while also taking two walks in Toronto’s 8-6 win.